Dwhere the words end, the music begins. Where words are forbidden, music is revolution. And he is leading it Paniz Faryoussefi: the first woman to direct a performance ofTehran Symphony Orchestra. In a country where a a woman is prohibited from singing alone in front of a mixed audiencePaniz directs 50 musicians alone. She is 42 years old, she is a Iranian violinist and it’s there first conductor since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. She didn’t break the law: she crossed a cultural and political limit that no one before her had ever crossed. «I hope that this is the beginning of a new era for young Iranians and that they understand that they shouldn’t be afraid to face risks. It is the only path to emancipation», he told the press after the first performances at the Vahdat Hall of Tehran.
A historic performance: «On stage I felt an immense responsibility»
The first concert at Vahdat Hall, entitled Land of Simurghcombined works by Iranian composers such as Aftab Darvishi and Golfam Khayam with international classics by Schumann, Sibelius and Khachaturian. «When I went on stage I felt an immense responsibility», says Faryoussefi. «Young women must persevere and follow their dreams». A message that goes far beyond music: it is an invitation to believe in one’s own possibilities, even in a context in which women’s freedoms remain severely limited. Many young musicians were present to see her conduct, witnessing a historic and inspiring moment. «They told me there was a little girl in the audience who imitated my movements», added Paniz. «I hope this concert gives birth to a dream within her and lets it grow».
Who is Paniz Faryoussefi?
Born in one family of artists, with a mother who already imagined her on the podium, Paniz embarked on an unusual path. In Iran the academies do not provide conducting studies, so she trained in Armeniato then return to his homeland and build a pioneering career. Her choice to stay and establish herself in her country makes her an example of resilience and determination.
«If I can’t dance it’s not my revolution»
As he wrote Lella Costa«If I can’t dance it’s not my revolution». Women in Iran still live within a system of norms that profoundly limits their autonomy. The hijab requirement is the most visible symbol, but it is not the only restriction: they cannot sing alone in front of a male audience, they cannot dance in public and they cannot travel abroad without their husband’s permission.
The law allows early marriages — possible from the age of 13 — and there is still no legislation on domestic violence.
Civil liberties are also constantly under attack: protesting means risking arrest, intimidation and, as demonstrated by the affair of Mahsa Aminieven life.
A small glimmer of change
Paniz’s achievement comes at a delicate moment: more and more Iranian women are challenging the restrictions, often paying a high price, but continuing to demand freedom. Paniz Faryoussefi’s wand becomes like this a symbol of couragea powerful gesture that opens a window towards a different and better future for Iranian women.
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